MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich., June 1, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Novi, Mich.-based Trinity Health reaffirmed at the Mackinac Policy Conference its major investment in Michigan. Propelling the state's economy, providing jobs and promoting health and access to health care for Michigan residents are the cornerstones of Trinity Health's commitment, according to Garry Faja, who is leading Trinity Health's Michigan delegation at the conference.
"In our unique position as the only national health care system headquartered in Michigan, and one of the largest employers in the state, we are poised to become the premier health care provider in Michigan -- while staying true to our ministry and mission of improving the health of our communities, and providing access and care for the poor and uninsured," said Faja, Regional Market Executive - East Michigan and CEO of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, Ann Arbor, a member of Trinity Health.
Michigan investment
An economic engine for the state with nearly $1.1 billion in payroll, Trinity Health spends approximately $500 million with Michigan-based companies and is making a significant investment in capital improvements. With its roots dating back to 1879, Trinity Health currently operates in eight states, with Michigan alone having more than 27,500 associates, 4,500 physician partners, 3,400 volunteers, 12 hospitals, 19 senior housing facilities, nine nursing homes, eight health care agencies and four hospices serving 35 counties.
"While Trinity Health has grown, we continue to invest in excellent service to our patients by focusing on the cost of care through improved efficiencies and reduced expenses, while implementing the latest technology," Faja said. "We are the leader of the health care technology revolution. We have the largest, most active, electronic health records initiative in Michigan and our remote diagnostics 'bedside robots' through the Michigan Stroke Network is second to none."
Technology Investment Leads Industry
Electronic health records (EHRs) -- Trinity Health is in the midst of one of the largest and most comprehensive electronic health-information technology initiatives in the nation. In 2003, Trinity Health set out to transform 33 of its hospitals across the country by converting to EHRs and other computerized clinical tools, a program that pushes the leading-edge of health systems in America. Aimed at creating world-class patient safety, clinical quality and improved financial performance, this massive initiative entails a $315 million investment (more than $177 million in Michigan) in health information-technology applications. The functions include computerized physician order entry, EHRs (currently have 5.7 million records), nursing documentation with wireless devices, paperless charts in the emergency department, adverse drug event alerts and more.
Remote diagnostics / bedside robots -- Trinity Health is implementing remote diagnostics through the Michigan Stroke Network (MSN). Through telemedicine, the latest in communication technology and bedside robots, physicians and patients at 29 participating hospitals have access to some of the finest stroke specialists in the nation. Trinity Health is showcasing the robot technology at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Manufactured by Santa Barbara, Calif.-based InTouch Health, the wireless, mobile robot is controlled at a local site via a computer workstation equipped with a video camera, microphone, joystick and specialized software. At the remote site, the robot contains a special video camera, microphone and LCD screen fixed to a motorized platform, along with 30 infrared sensors, giving the operator full control to move anywhere in the hospital. The robot is not a replacement for human interaction; it's designed to augment facilities that would not otherwise have access to certain specialists and other staff.
The robot allows physicians to communicate visually via two-way consultation and interaction. The result is prompt and more effective intervention during the crucial early moments of a stroke as well as for follow-up treatment. Early intervention via the robot is expected to result in fewer deaths and less long-term disability, thereby avoiding expensive rehabilitation services.
According to the National Stroke Association, stroke costs more than $52 billion annually in the U.S. Direct costs such as hospitals, physicians and rehabilitation add up to $32 billion; indirect costs, such as lost productivity, total $20 billion.
Addressing Michigan's Uninsured
As a faith-based provider of compassionate care, Trinity Health is providing access to affordable quality health care for Michigan's poor and underserved. The tax-exempt organization spent more than $145 million on programs for the poor and community outreach, including:
* $81 million in unreimbursed care for the poor and discounted care
for the uninsured;
* $2 million annual investment in City of Detroit Ministries; and
* $39 million in other community benefits through programs and
clinics across the state.
With an estimated 45 million uninsured people in the United States (1.1 million in Michigan), Trinity Health in April released its "Essential Elements of Systemic Health Care Reform," a position paper intended to engage national leaders and promote dialogue toward achieving coverage and access for all Americans in a cost-effective system of care. In addition, Trinity Health and Catholic Healthcare Partners staged an Advocacy Action tour in early April to accelerate the debate on health care reform by meeting with dozens of elected officials and policy makers in Washington D.C. to discuss opportunities and obstacles facing millions of Americans who lack basic health insurance coverage and access to quality care.
About Trinity Health
Trinity Health is Michigan's leading health care provider and one of the state's largest employers, providing the full continuum of care for Michigan's residents. More than 27,500 associates provide care to one in 11 Michigan residents. With a national headquarters in Novi, Michigan, Trinity Health is an economic engine for the state with nearly $1.1 billion in payroll -- and $1.2 billion in capital investment planned through 2011. Trinity Health owns or manages 46 hospitals, 379 outpatient facilities, 26 long-term care facilities, and numerous home health offices and hospice programs in eight states and employs over 45,100 nationwide. Trinity Health reported $6.1 billion in unrestricted revenue in fiscal year 2006. For more information, visit www.trinity-health.org.
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